Brittain hoping for big things from Cala
Clive Brittain is hoping for a big run from Cala when she takes a big step up in class in the Shadwell Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket tomorrow.
The daughter of Desert Prince last ran just five days ago when winning a six-furlong race at Warwick after previously winning a handicap over seven furlongs on the all-weather at Lingfield.
Although she has already notched up three runs this season, with another third at Lingfield to her credit, Brittain is confident the filly is in top order ahead of her bid for the Group Three contest.
The Newmarket handler said today: “She’s fine. She had a couple of days swimming and then a blow out this morning and she seems in very good form so we are looking forward to a good run.
“She won’t have any travelling to do – that’s the beauty of Newmarket. We just have to pop her down in the box so she won’t have the stress of a three or four hour journey. If I wasn’t sure she was bubbling, I wouldn’t run her. She’s looking very well and has been moving very well.”
Cala goes into the race with the benefit of those runs while six of her seven rivals are making their seasonal debuts.
Brittain added: “Fitness may be a factor but if she’s good enough she’ll have a chance.”
Cala, who is closely related to another Brittain-trained horse Rafferty, only had two runs as a juvenile last year, finishing unplaced at both York and Nottingham.
Brittain explained: “She didn’t run in this sort race last year as she wasn’t ready but she’s been progressing through and I’m never one to bother about the ratings of other horses, I just go on the horses themselves.”
Frankie Dettori is set to partner the filly in the £50,000 (€73,000)-added race and Brittain is pleased to have the former champion jockey on board his charge.
“They booked themselves really. Ray Cochrane rang and said Frankie would like to ride her and his judgement is as good as any, so what more do I need,” he explained.
Cala will face seven rivals headed by Geoff Wragg’s Ego, who is likely to go off favourite for the Sagitta 1000 Guineas trial after her fourth place behind Airwave in the Cheveley Park Stakes at this track last season.
Hector’s Girl, a half-sister to top sprinter College Chapel, will represent Sir Michael Stoute’s yard, while course-and-distance winner Khulood will run for John Dunlop.
Richard Hannon runs Garmoucheh, while Ed Dunlop sends Hold To Ransom for the seven-furlong event.
Miss Assertive from the Nick Littmoden yard and Brian Meehan’s Sister Bluebird complete the line-up.
